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Impact sockets worth it?

fireplug

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Has anyone ruined good quality 'hand tool' sockets using an impact gun?

I found a good deal on a set of impact sockets, but it is still a hundred bucks and I figure my hand tool set is warrantied for life. Just wondering if I should go for it or not.

Opinions appreciated!
 
I've personaly returned 4 socket wrenches to sears in one day (one for each wheel) and never had a problem with the sockets themselves. Bent my 4 foot cheater bar though.....
 
yes i have broken several craftsman sockets with an impact untill i actually bought a set of impact sockets.
 
I paid a whopping $40 for both sets of my impact sockets about 7 years ago and none have broken. Not comparing them to non impact sockets, but saying you don't have to spend a fortune on them. My 2 sets are both standard deep well and normal depth 1/2" - 1 1/4". Check the surplus stores.
 
fireplug said:
Has anyone ruined good quality 'hand tool' sockets using an impact gun?

I've seen cheap chrome 12 pts round out on an air gun. If the sockets were 6 pt it probably wouldn't be a problem.
 
ive had 12 points round out and 6 points shatter with my gun, craftsman sockets with an ingersoll rand 2135ti gun, id spend the extra cash to get impact sockets
 
6 point and impact for safty. chrome will blow with good air and gun. i work with them all day at work.

also thay take bolts and nuts out better as less flex in the socket from thicker wall .
 
If you have a good impact, yes you will most likely tear them up. I've broke Craftsman and S/K chrome t/w sockets with my IR 244. I bought some cheep impact sockets after that. While they didn't have the best fit or finish, they held up just fine untill I could afford some better ones. That would be about 5 yrs later. If you don't have the cash for quailty now, cheep impact sockets are deffinatly a place where you can cut costs.

Something to look out for; I bought a huge set of S/K impact sockets about 2 yrs ago during a promo sale from an independent tool truck. They are very high quality and cheaper than Sears/Craftsman.
 
ive split 6 pt craftsman with an impact.

i generally only use impact sockets, even with a ratchet.

i had gotten a 2 sets 1/2 impact sockets(metric and sae) from Harbor Freight for $15 each set for my junkyard box, they actually work pretty good.
 
Even if you don't crack your chrome hand tool sockets with an impact wrench you will probably wallow out the 1/2" attaching point. I have several sockets that were used on an impact gun that won't stay on a ratchet unless you hold them on. The impact may not ruin them completely but I can tell you from experience that dropping the socket you are trying to work with several times in a row is a PITA and will piss you off after awhile.

Harley
 
dodgedude99 said:
ive split 6 pt craftsman with an impact.

i generally only use impact sockets, even with a ratchet.

i had gotten a 2 sets 1/2 impact sockets(metric and sae) from Harbor Freight for $15 each set for my junkyard box, they actually work pretty good.


I have this same set and can vouch for there durability.
 
me too, I've been pretty impressed with the harbor freight stuff I've gotten so far. Maybe it's because I went in think everything would be complete crap from their reputation
 
Amen to that, i fragment standard sockets with the 1,000 lb.ft. IR titanium 1/2". Impact sockets are worth it
 
ya i have the harbor freight impacts... they are great! i use them by hand too, feel and look better, and are stronger

anyway why use the stupid chrome ones... anti-bling!!!
 
ive broken more sockets with my 3/8" ratchet than an impact, but i have wore them out. i use MIT impact sockets that i picked up for $20, they even come with a life time warenty :grin:
 
89GMCSuburban said:
Amen to that, i fragment standard sockets with the 1,000 lb.ft. IR titanium 1/2". Impact sockets are worth it

The 2135ti doesn't do "1,000 lb-ft". It does 625 in forward, 700 in reverse. IR does claim "the seven vane motor delivers Nut Busting Torque that will loosen a nut tightened to 1,000 ft.-lbs...in 6 seconds!"

That said, I have a 2135ti and love the thing- Only 3.5 lbs. :D
 
KidJethro said:
The 2135ti doesn't do "1,000 lb-ft". It does 625 in forward, 700 in reverse. IR does claim "the seven vane motor delivers Nut Busting Torque that will loosen a nut tightened to 1,000 ft.-lbs...in 6 seconds!"

That said, I have a 2135ti and love the thing- Only 3.5 lbs. :D
Well while we're being technical, it's 3.95 lbs. Just got mine in the mail today, can't wait to use it!
 
89GMCSuburban said:
Well...next time I will be sure to post my entire spec sheet since it seems that important :rolleyes:

No need to get butthurt dude...I guess I shoulda added a smiley or two... ;)
 

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